Bridge players beware!

[ducati1974]

Playing in a recent game in Mass., I was in a 6 heart contract. Dummy held :
H-Jx, S-xxxx, D-AQJ10, C-Jx I held H-AKQ10xxx, S-x, D-K, C-AKxx. Upon the opening lead of the spade King I claimed conceding that trick but stating that I would draw trump, overtake the diamond King w/ the Ace and throw off my losing clubs on the QJ of diamonds. Unfortunately I was assuming that there would be a spade continuation because the leader led from KQ and his partner signaled high so I figured a spade continuation to be obvious. Not so fast! After viewing my hand defender says what if I lead a diamond at trick two?- then you will be stuck in your hand and not be able to return to dummy for cast-offs. Since I did not wait for the 2nd trick to be led and did not state my line in case of other second trick leads, I was only allowed to make 5 while the rest of the field made 6! Even though I could have played the Diamond ace over the Diamond king and made club pitches immediately on the QJ or played for a 2/2 trump split returning to dummy with the jack of trump I was not allowed because I didn't state that line.
Claiming is overrated!

[ducati1974]

Dummy actually had D-AQJ10x for those of you astute enough to count!

[redwitch]

Basic rule -- don't claim until you're in total control regardless of what opps might hold. (Glad you gave dummy that 13th card, I was going to tell you it was a misdeal and, thus, hand should have been tossed.)

Also, do you play in TV? If so, when? If not, why not?

(Get the feeling bridge is my favorite game?)

[ducati1974]

Redwitch- yup, my wife & I both play in The Villages. We will be there Jan 1st for a month. If you want a partner some time let us know either of us would be happy to play with you. Alternatively, if you need a pair for Swiss Teams we could do that. Unfortunately, we do have alot of visitors coming which may cramp our Bridge playing.
Rick

[Rosalie]

Sounds as if the above threads refer to Duplicate Bridge---much above my level of play!!! Anybody have recommendations for where to play with less skilled players? Any social or fun games?? I'm serious about the game but don't like to get into situations where everyone else knows conventions, bidding, etc. much better than I do! Thanks--

[redwitch]

rosalie, if you check the weekly recreation guide, there are bridge games almost daily. the non-sanctioned duplicate might be your cup of tea. few conventions are used by these players, but they play a good game. there are also just some social games. just call the number given by the game and see if you need to show up with a partner. usually, if you ask, they'll set you up with someone.

(if you can't find a partner, send me a pm and we can work out a game or two, especially for the next couple of weeks. once people get to know you, finding a partner is really easy.)

now, if you decide you would like to learn some of the conventions, come on down and play some duplicate. they're a pretty nice group here (well, most of them, anyway) and most are happy to help others.

[GrandmaP]

Sounds as if the above threads refer to Duplicate Bridge---much above my level of play!!! Anybody have recommendations for where to play with less skilled players? Any social or fun games?? I'm serious about the game but don't like to get into situations where everyone else knows conventions, bidding, etc. much better than I do! Thanks--

My mother just moved to TV and is looking for ladies to play social bridge. She lives in Collier and would like to play at Eisenhower or Big Cypress. She is 91 but sharp as a tack.